Opinion: Vaffanculo Balotelli

Sometimes, there are people that come along in life that are total wankers. Jose Mourinho, for example. But once in a blue moon, there will appear an even bigger jerk, someone who has absolutely no redeeming personal qualities.

Meet Mario Balotelli


Born of Ghanian immigrants in Italy, Mario was raised by the Balotelli family since the age of 3. He started his career with Serie C1 side Lumezzane, making his senior debut at the age of 15. In 2006 he moved on loan to Internazionale, signing a 3-year contract at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season. 
He is considered one of the most impressive young talents in the world, and his performances for Inter and the Italian youth teams have only enhanced his reputation. 

Unfortunately, his massive talent comes with a massive downside: his personality. He courts controversy non-stop, is continuously in the press for the wrong reasons, and seems to finally have achieved what many thought the arrival of Jose Mourinho would avert, namely, a complete breakdown of relations between him and the club. Considering his history with Inter, this is hardly surprising, as the one thing that sticks out about this player, even more than his talent and potential, is his attitude. No matter how well he does in the pitch, he constantly undermines his work with stupidity on and off the field. His antics on the field have led to several yellow cards and one red card, often for retaliatory tackles. His dramatic face-clutch after being brushed by Felipe Melo's arm led to Melo being handed a (technically correct) second yellow card, and sparked a fierce on-field altercation involving Motta and the usually reserved Buffon. He is often subjected to "racist" chants, particularly from Juventus supporters; what most fail to realize is that the chants have nothing to do with him being black, and everything to do with him being hated by almost every football fan in Italy. In addition, his admitted support of A.C. Milan, and posing on TV in a Milan jersey has driven away even his staunchest fans among the Inter tifosi.


But the recent incidents in the Inter-Barca Champions League match definitely seem to have surpassed previous incidents in their long-term implications. Between throwing his Inter jersey on the ground, provoking the fans, and almost getting in a fight with Inter thug-in-chief Marco Materazzi, it seem that Balotelli's days in an Inter jersey are limited. And he should have no complaint; his actions leave the club with little choice. The utter lack of respect he has shown to Mourinho, one of the most revered (by his fans) and successful coaches in the world, is ridiculous; coupled with the lack of respect he has shown to the club and it's fans, damning. It is clear that Balotelli is incredibly arrogant, his refusal to improve his attitude confirms as much. Does he feel that he should be a guaranteed first team starter? He recently proclaimed that he will become the best player in the world-what does that tell you, coming from a 19 year-old player who currently doesn't even start for his team? If he wants to learn how to be arrogant but successful, then he is under the right coach. But Mario is so arrogant that even Mourinho seems unable or unwilling to handle him! Clearly, he should move on, as he's done an excellent job of destroying any relationship with Inter, the fans, and Mourinho.The club has little chance of fixing relations with the player, and there are few indications that the club even wants to at this point. 

His talent is undeniable, but the tremendous amount of problems he causes with his belligerent attitude mean that he is better off getting a clean start somewhere else. Whether or not he'll ever fulfill his potential is doubtful, but maybe a fresh start at a club like Arsenal would be perfect to turn him around. For there is no doubt that if he does not improve his attitude, no team will be able to keep him around and hope to be successful. He can be fantastic, but his overall contribute to a team is overwhelmingly negative at this point. Inter would be well to get rid of him, before he destroys their season.